Politics & Policies

UI during COVID in US – How to improve it

This panel will focus on changes in unemployment insurance (UI) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and how lessons from these changes can guide reform of the federal-state UI system. For example, what lessons does the CARES Act UI payments experience offer on how we can better promote an equitable recovery? … Continue reading →

Future of Work in BC – Options for building a resilient labour force

With the rapid growth of automation and technological advancement, the skills and competencies required across British Columbia’s economic development regions are evolving. As the province shifts towards a more digital, knowledge-based economy, it is important to consider the development of BC’s labour force. While there are a number of initiatives targeting the next generation of … Continue reading →

Gig Economy and Self-Employed in UK – For a new self-employment centres, a Minimum Income Guarantee and a parity of rights and social security

Empowering the self-employed workforce Self-employment has risen significantly over the past two decades. The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the fragile nature of work for many people in the UK – and the self-employed workforce is no exception. In this report, we bring to the fore some of the shared challenges faced by self-employed people, especially … Continue reading →

Youth Guarantee in Australia – The National Youth Commission Australia (NYCA) lays out a framework of reforms

WHY THIS GUARANTEE? Many young people successfully navigate their way from education to employment and independence, but many get left behind. This Inquiry by the National Youth Commission Australia (NYCA) was prompted by our concern that an increasing number of young people are struggling to make this transition. It also addresses the lack of any … Continue reading →

COVID, Labour Market Policy and Public Employment Services – A key part of the mix of policy responses

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted economies and labour markets in all world regions. Labour market programmes are a key part of the mix of policy responses that governments have put in place to protect jobs, enterprises and incomes from the fallout of the pandemic. As in previous crises, policy-makers in emerging and developed economies … Continue reading →

Longer-Run Goals of Monetary Policy in US – Including an “assessments of the shortfalls of employment from its maximum level”

Following an extensive review that included numerous public events across the country, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) on Thursday announced the unanimous approval of updates to its Statement on Longer-Run Goals and Monetary Policy Strategy, which articulates its approach to monetary policy and serves as the foundation for its policy actions. The updates reflect … Continue reading →

Skills Reform in Australia – An agreement

All jurisdictions have signed a Heads of Agreement for Skills Reform. The Agreement sets out immediate reforms to improve the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and an approach and priorities for developing a new National Skills Agreement to replace the National Agreement on Skills and Workforce Development. The priorities in the Agreement are aimed … Continue reading →

COVID in Australia : JobKeeper Payment – There are compelling arguments to maintain it report says

The JobKeeper Payment is one of the largest fiscal and labour market interventions in Australia’s economic history. The JobKeeper Payment was developed in the second half of March in response to a steep deterioration in economic activity and employment. JobKeeper had three objectives: supporting business and job survival, preserving the employment relationship, and providing needed … Continue reading →

Time Limits to Social Assistance in US – Decreased welfare participation by 22 percent and transfer income by 6 percent

BRIEF HIGHLIGHTS Several states imposed time limits for welfare receipt in the wake of the Great Recession. Stricter time limits decreased welfare participation by 22 percent and transfer income by 6 percent. The time limits tend to decrease earnings in states without generous benefits at baseline. Separation from work and welfare diminishes families’ access to … Continue reading →

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in US ($600 weekly by UI) – Extension would support millions of workers: See updated state unemployment data | Economic Policy Institute

As of last week, DOL reported that over 15 million workers across 48 states and the District of Columbia are receiving or waiting on a decision for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits, which underscores the importance of extending benefits to those who would otherwise not have been eligible. Five states have at least a million … Continue reading →

COVID in US and Job Training – How does it matter ? (video)

COVID and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in US – Is it working ?

This week Congress approved $310 billion above the initial $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), but it is not achieving its objective of stopping job losses. Paycheck guarantees would ensure American employer-employee links are preserved and employees can seamlessly return to their productive tasks as the economy recovers and demand picks up. Unless the Congress … Continue reading →

COVID , CARES Act and Relief Checks in US – Threatened by old technology and a rocky government rollout

Hampered by antiquated software, unfilled leadership positions and the sheer complexity of distributing hundreds of billions of dollars across the United States, the federal government is failing to get emergency stimulus money to millions of households and small businesses. The Post reported that three weeks after Congress passed a $2.2 trillion aid package, its small-business … Continue reading →

COVID and Immigration in Canada – The lowest Comprehensive Ranking requirement of 2020

Two days, two Express Entry draws. Today’s draw rendered invitations for 3,782 immigration candidates and their families to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence were issued to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores as low as 455 on April 16, 2020. Today’s … Continue reading →

COVID and the Myth of the Deficit – It is being destroyed (well, for the moment)

The Covid-19 crisis has clearly demonstrated what should have been obvious already: provisioning society – whether with food, disinfecting wipes, toilet paper or medical supplies – is not a financial issue. If we can’t produce enough masks, ventilators or food, finance will not help. Society’s capacity to produce real output is what limits its ability … Continue reading →